New Year Skin Check: 5 Mole Changes to Watch For

Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives – and around 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer every year.

For a country that loves the beach, backyard cricket and Christmas pavlova on the deck, that’s a sobering reality.

But here’s the hopeful part: when melanoma is found early, the chance of surviving at least five years is above 90%, and most early melanomas can be cured with surgery alone. In other words, spotting a dodgy mole this summer could quite literally save your life.

That’s why we think the New Year is the perfect time for a proper skin cancer check – not just for resolutions about the gym, but for the freckles, moles and odd spots you’ve been ignoring.

In this article, we’ll:

• Explain the ABCDE rule – five key mole changes that can signal melanoma.
• Walk you through a step‑by‑step New Year skin check at home.
• Break down what mole mapping is and who it’s for.
• Help you decide when you need a dermatologist referral or in‑person skin cancer check.
• Share practical sun safety tips for Australian conditions, plus how we at NextClinic can help via telehealth.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to watch for, how to examine your own skin, and what to do next if something doesn’t look right.

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Why a New Year skin check matters (especially in Australia)

Australia has some of the highest levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the highest skin cancer rates in the world. Skin cancer is our most commonly diagnosed cancer, and Medicare now funds more than a million treatments for non‑melanoma skin cancers every year – more than 3,000 procedures a day.

Our danger season is also our holiday season:

• UV levels are extreme through much of the Australian summer.
• We’re outside more – at the beach, camping, hiking, watching sport.
• Many of us get intermittent, intense sun exposure, a known driver of melanoma risk.

Add in a few “I’ll just be in the sun for a minute” moments, and it’s easy for damage to build up over December and January.

So why a skin check now?

• You’re already seeing more skin (hello swimmers and singlets).
• You may notice new moles or freckles that popped up over spring and early summer.
• New Year is a natural time to reset habits – including sun safety in Australia and your approach to health.

Think of it as your annual audit of your body’s biggest organ – your skin – with a specific focus on melanoma signs.

Moles, freckles and melanoma – what are we actually looking for?

Before we get into the 5 mole changes, it helps to know what’s normal.

What are moles?

Moles (medical term: naevi) are clusters of pigment‑producing cells (melanocytes). Most:

• Appear in childhood and adolescence.
• Are symmetrical, evenly coloured and stable over time.
• Range from 1–10 mm in size.

Plenty of Australians have lots of moles – especially if they’re fair‑skinned or have had high sun exposure. That doesn’t automatically mean trouble, but the more moles you have, the higher your melanoma risk.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in those same pigment cells. It’s less common than other skin cancers (like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma) but much more likely to spread and become life‑threatening if not caught early.

Key points:

• Around 95% of melanomas in Australia are linked to UV exposure.
• Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in Australians under 40.
• Early detection dramatically improves outcomes – survival is high when melanoma is thin and still in the top layers of the skin.

The challenge? Melanoma can look like “just another mole” – unless you know what to look for.

That’s where the ABCDE rule comes in.

The ABCDE rule: 5 mole changes to watch for

Australian health authorities commonly recommend remembering ABCDE when you’re checking your skin for melanoma signs: Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolution (change).

Let’s unpack each one in practical, real‑world terms.

1. A is for Asymmetry – does one half not match the other?

A normal mole is usually fairly even: if you drew a line through the middle, both halves would look similar.

What to watch for:

• One side of the mole is a different shape to the other.
• It looks lopsided or irregular rather than round or oval.
• You can’t easily “mirror” one half on the other.

Try this at home during your New Year skin check:

• Pick a mole you’re unsure about.
• Imagine cutting it in half both horizontally and vertically.
• Does each side roughly match, or does it look like a wonky blob?

If it’s clearly uneven, that’s a red flag and a reason to get it checked.

2. B is for Border – is the edge irregular or blurred?

Healthy moles tend to have smooth, clearly defined edges.

Concerning mole borders can look:

• Jagged, notched or scalloped.
• Blurry or smudged, like the colour is fading into the surrounding skin.
• Uneven – sharp on one side, fuzzy on the other.

When you do your skin cancer check, mentally compare borders:

• Many people have a “pattern” of similar‑looking moles.
• A mole that doesn’t fit your usual pattern (for example, more ragged or messy around the edges) deserves extra attention – doctors call this the “ugly duckling” sign.

Again, it doesn’t automatically mean melanoma, but it does mean “show this to a doctor.”

3. C is for Colour – are there multiple or changing colours?

Normal moles are often:

• One shade of light to medium brown.
• Occasionally skin‑coloured or slightly pink.

Warning colours and patterns include:

• Different shades of brown or black within the same spot.
• Areas of red, white, grey or blue mixed in.
• Patchy or uneven colour, rather than one solid shade.

Healthdirect specifically notes that moles with several colours or blotchy, uneven colour can be a sign of skin cancer.

Importantly, “amelanotic” melanomas can be mostly pink or skin‑coloured rather than dark – especially in children and some adults. So don’t ignore:

• A new pink or red bump that keeps growing.
• A pale, scar‑like patch that changes or doesn’t heal.

Colour change over time – getting darker, lighter, or developing new colours – also counts as “E for Evolution” (more on that below).

4. D is for Diameter – is it getting bigger?

Many melanomas are larger than about 6 mm across (roughly the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, though some can be smaller.

Diameter changes to watch:

• A mole that’s noticeably bigger than your other moles.
• A spot that keeps growing over weeks or months.
• A flat freckle that’s slowly expanding at the edges.

Rather than obsess over exact measurements, focus on relative change:

• Take note (or photos) this New Year.
• Re‑check in a few months.
• If you can clearly see growth, especially in combination with other ABCDE signs, book a skin cancer check.

5. E is for Evolution – is it changing over time?

“Evolving” is arguably the most important of the five – it captures:

• Change in size, shape or colour.
• New sensations like itching, tenderness or pain.
• Surface changes – becoming more raised, scaly, crusted or ulcerated.
• Unexpected bleeding or oozing.

Research suggests that the more ABCDE features a lesion has, the more likely non‑dermatologists are to suspect melanoma and seek help – but very early melanomas don’t always tick every box.

So if you only remember one letter, make it E:

"If a mole or spot is changing – in any way – get it checked."

Other red flags beyond ABCDE

The ABCDE rule is a brilliant starting point, but it’s not perfect. Some melanomas don’t look “classic” at all.

Here are a few extra warning signs:

The “ugly duckling”

• A mole that just looks or feels different from all your other spots.
• Maybe it’s darker, lighter, larger, or has a strange shape.
• Your gut says, “That one doesn’t fit in.”

Doctors take this seriously – if one mole clearly stands out, it’s worth a professional opinion, even if it doesn’t tick every ABCDE box.

A sore that doesn’t heal

• A persistent sore, scab or raw area that lasts for more than a few weeks.
• A “pimple” that never quite goes away.
• A spot that repeatedly crusts or bleeds with minor trauma.

These can signal non‑melanoma skin cancers as well as melanoma, and should always be checked.

Spots in less obvious places

Skin cancer can occur in areas that rarely see the sun – including the scalp, under nails, soles of the feet and the genital area.

During your New Year skin check, don’t forget:

• Between the toes and fingers.
• Under the breasts.
• Behind the ears and on the scalp.
• Around the genital and anal regions.

It can feel awkward, but doctors and dermatologists see all of this routinely. If you notice anything odd in these zones, it definitely warrants a proper skin cancer check.

How to do a New Year skin cancer check at home

You don’t need fancy equipment to do a useful self‑check – just some time, good light and a bit of patience.

Cancer Council and Healthdirect recommend getting to know your own skin and checking it regularly so you can spot changes early.

Step 1: Set yourself up

• Choose a time when you’re not rushed – New Year’s Day or a quiet summer evening works well.
• Undress completely in a well‑lit room.
• Use a full‑length mirror and a handheld mirror for hard‑to‑see areas.
• Ask a partner or family member to check your back, scalp and behind your ears.

Step 2: Systematically scan from head to toe

Follow a pattern so you don’t miss areas:

1. Face and scalp
   • Face, nose, lips and ears.
   • Use a comb or hairdryer to part your hair and check the scalp (ask for help if possible).
2. Upper body
   • Neck, chest, shoulders and upper back.
   • Under and between the breasts.
   • Armpits and upper arms.
3. Arms and hands
   • Inner and outer arms, elbows and forearms.
   • Tops and palms of hands, between fingers, under fingernails.
4. Torso and back
   • Stomach, waist, lower back and buttocks (use the handheld mirror).
5. Legs and feet
   • Front and back of thighs and calves.
   • Shins, ankles, tops and soles of feet.
   • Between toes and under toenails.

As you go, pay attention to any new spots and any existing moles that look different (ugly ducklings).

Step 3: Use ABCDE on suspect spots

For each mole or spot that catches your eye, quickly run through:

• A – Is it asymmetrical?
• B – Are the borders irregular?
• C – Is the colour uneven or changing?
• D – Has the diameter increased or is it larger than your other moles?
• E – Has it evolved in size, shape, colour or sensation?

If you answer “yes” to any, put it on your “get a doctor to check this” list.

Step 4: Take photos or notes

• Use your phone to snap clear, well‑lit photos of any moles you’re worried about.
• Consider taking a wider “body area” shot as a baseline for future comparison.
• Save them in a secure album labelled with the date.

These photos are incredibly helpful when you:

• See your GP or dermatologist.
• Use mole mapping services (more on those next).
• Re‑do your skin check later in the year.

Mole mapping: what it is and who should consider it

You’ll often hear clinics talk about “mole mapping” or “total body photography” as part of skin cancer surveillance.

What is mole mapping?

In most Australian clinics, mole mapping means:

• Taking a series of high‑resolution photos of your entire skin surface.
• Often using specialised software and AI to create a “map” of all your moles.
• Comparing photos over time to spot new or changing lesions early.

Some systems also link specific close‑up and dermatoscope images to each mole on your body map.

Who is mole mapping for?

Mole mapping is particularly useful if you:

• Have lots of moles (especially >50–100).
• Have atypical/dysplastic moles (large, irregular or unusual‑looking).
• Have a personal or strong family history of melanoma.
• Have fair or significantly sun‑damaged skin.
• Find it hard to self‑monitor areas like your back, scalp or the backs of your legs.

Evidence suggests that mole mapping can help detect melanoma earlier in some high‑risk patients and reduce unnecessary biopsies, although it doesn’t replace a clinical examination.

Does everyone need mole mapping?

No. For many Australians, regular:

• Self‑checks at home, and
• Professional skin cancer checks

are enough.

But if you’re high‑risk or anxious about your skin, your GP or dermatologist may suggest mole mapping as an extra layer of surveillance.

If you’d like to explore mole mapping but aren’t sure where to start, one of our doctors at NextClinic can help you decide whether it’s appropriate for you and issue a dermatologist referral or referral to a dedicated skin cancer clinic if needed.

When should you see a doctor or dermatologist?

General rule: If in doubt, get it checked.

Healthdirect and Cancer Council both recommend seeing a doctor promptly if you notice:

• A new mole or spot that looks different from your others.
• Any mole that changes in size, shape, colour or height.
• A spot that itches, tingles, bleeds or becomes crusty.
• A sore that doesn’t heal after a few weeks.

High‑risk? Be especially proactive

You may need more frequent skin cancer checks – including at least yearly, sometimes every 6–12 months – if you:

• Have had melanoma or another skin cancer before.
• Have multiple dysplastic/atypical moles.
• Have a strong family history of melanoma.
• Are very fair‑skinned and burn easily.
• Have a history of heavy UV exposure (outdoor work, lots of sunburns).

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners suggests that people at very high risk may benefit from self‑exams every three months plus regular professional checks, sometimes supported by self‑photography or mole mapping.

Sun safety in Australia: protecting your future self

Spotting melanoma signs is vital – but prevention is even better.

Because up to 95% of melanomas in Australia are linked to UV exposure, sun protection is one of the most powerful cancer‑prevention tools we have.

UV, not heat, is the real danger dial

The UV Index tells you how strong UV radiation is on a scale from 1 (low) to 11+ (extreme). In Australia:

• UV can be high even on cool or cloudy days.
• Sun protection is recommended whenever the UV Index is 3 or above.
• In many parts of Australia, UV reaches 3+ for much of the year.

You can check UV levels via:

• The Bureau of Meteorology weather pages.
• The free SunSmart Global UV app.
• UV widgets on many weather apps.

The five pillars of SunSmart behaviour

Cancer Council and ARPANSA recommend five protective steps whenever UV is 3+:

1. Slip on sun‑protective clothing (long sleeves, collars, tight‑weave fabrics).
2. Slop on broad‑spectrum SPF 30 or 50+ sunscreen.
3. Slap on a broad‑brimmed hat.
4. Seek shade, especially around the middle of the day.
5. Slide on close‑fitting sunglasses that meet Australian standards.

If you’d like a deep dive into sunscreen myths (including whether you need sunscreen indoors) and practical daily routines, we unpack this further in our NextClinic article “Do You Need Sunscreen Indoors? 3 Myths Busted” and our summer‑focused guide “Beat the Heat: Summer Health Tips for Australians.”

How NextClinic can help with skin concerns this summer

We can’t biopsy a mole through a screen – that still needs an in‑person visit – but telehealth is incredibly useful in your skin cancer journey.

Through NextClinic, our Australian‑registered doctors can:

• Discuss suspicious spots you’ve noticed during your New Year skin check.
  • You can describe what you see and, where appropriate, securely share photos.
• Provide a dermatologist referral or referral to a local skin cancer clinic for a comprehensive in‑person skin cancer check or mole mapping.
• Help you understand your personal risk factors and recommend how often you should be checked.
• Review medications (like some acne treatments or immunosuppressants) that may increase photosensitivity and advise on extra sun safety measures.
• Issue medical certificates if sun damage or skin procedures mean you need time off work to heal.
• Renew prescriptions or organise further telehealth consultations for other health concerns while you stay sun‑safe at home.

If your regular GP is booked out or you’re travelling over summer, an online consultation can be a practical first step to getting the right care quickly – without sitting in a waiting room when you’re already worried.

You can also read more about navigating in‑person appointments in our blog post “How to Fast-Track Your Specialist Referral” and, if your local clinic is closed over the holidays, “GP Closed for Christmas? How to See a Doctor Online”.

Bringing it all together – and your challenge for this week

Let’s recap the most important points:

• Skin cancer is common but often preventable and highly treatable when caught early.
• The ABCDE rule gives you five key mole changes to watch for:
  • Asymmetry
  • Border irregularity
  • Colour variation or change
  • Diameter increase
  • Evolution (any change in size, shape, colour or symptoms)
• Other red flags include the ugly duckling mole, sores that don’t heal, and spots in unusual places.
• A thorough skin cancer check at home once or twice a year (plus more frequent checks if you’re high‑risk) helps you catch changes early.
• Mole mapping is a powerful tool for people with many or atypical moles, or a strong personal/family history of melanoma.
• In Australia, sun safety is a year‑round habit, guided by the UV Index – not just how hot it feels.
• If you’re unsure about any spot, getting a dermatologist referral or GP skin check is always the right call, and we can help coordinate that through telehealth.

Your New Year skin challenge

This week, choose one of these actions and actually do it:

1. Do a full ABCDE skin check at home, taking photos of at least three moles to use as a baseline.
2. Book a professional skin cancer check with your GP, dermatologist or local skin cancer clinic.
3. Download a UV app (like the SunSmart Global UV app) and commit to checking the UV Index Australia‑wide every morning before you go out.
4. If you’re high‑risk, ask for a mole mapping or dermatologist referral so you have a long‑term surveillance plan.

Then, come back and let us know in the comments:

• Which strategy did you choose?
• Did you find anything you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise?
• What questions came up for you during your skin check?

Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to read to finally check that “funny‑looking mole” this summer.

And if you’ve spotted something today that worries you, don’t sit on it – book a telehealth consultation with us at NextClinic and take the next step now.

References

• All about sunscreen and sun safety | Cancer Council
• Melanoma of the skin statistics | Cancer Australia
• UV knowledge centre | The Bureau of Meteorology
• Incidence and mortality | National Cancer Prevention Policy Skin Cancer Statistics and Issues | Cancer Council
• Sun exposure and health | ARPANSA
• Check for signs of skin cancer | Cancer Council
• Skin cancer in Australia, Summary - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
• Melanoma Facts | Melanoma Institute Australia
• Skin cancer and melanoma - symptoms, treatment and prevention | healthdirect
• Melanoma and Skin Cancer Symptoms
• Detection and screening | National Cancer Prevention Policy Skin Cancer Statistics and Issues | Cancer Council
• Clinical ABCDE rule for early melanoma detection - PubMed
• Mole Mapping | Mole Map | Automated Total Body Mapping
• Total Body Mapping (TBM) | Bowral Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Clinic
• Total Body Mole Mapping - High Street Medical Clinic
• About the UV Index | The Bureau of Meteorology
• How to protect yourself against UV | The Bureau of Meteorology

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